The Senate may be settling for pushing through a mandatory GMO labeling bill, but in the form of “mandatory disclosure.” Industry lobbyists told the Hagstrom Report that Senate Agriculture Leaders are moving towards a proposal favored by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, requiring the use of “smart labels” and banning state labeling laws. The lobbyists referred to this system as “mandatory disclosure,” rather than “mandatory labeling.” Secretary Vilsack called for the system in two separate speeches within the last week, at Commodity Classic and at the National Farmers Union annual convention. The lobbyists say it appears that the food companies lobbying against mandatory labeling are more comfortable with that term, “mandatory disclosure.”
Vilsack has said that President Barack Obama would sign such a bill. The Senate appears likely to attempt passing the measure before the Easter Recess that begins March 18.
Source: NAFB News service